Bosmuseum Gerhagen

Bosmuseum Gerhagen is a small nature museum located at the foot of the Zandberg hill, right in the middle of the Gerhagen nature reserve in Tessenderlo, in the Belgian province of Limburg. It is run by Werkgroep Ecologie Tessenderlo (WET), a local organization that has looked after both the museum and the surrounding woodland for decades.

How the museum came to be

The story of Bosmuseum goes back to the late 1970s. In 1979 an opportunity arose to take over the old cafeteria that had belonged to the local tourism office (VVV). With support from the municipality of Tessenderlo, the first version of the Bosmuseum opened its doors in 1980. As visitor numbers grew, the organizers began planning a larger, purpose-built facility.

Construction of a new museum building started in 1989. Gerhagen was the natural choice of location, since the site already held the collection of natural history specimens that would form the basis of the exhibition. In 2004 the museum underwent its first major expansion, adding an extra exhibition hall and updating the entire display and layout. An even more thorough renovation followed years later, culminating on May 31, 2015, when the newly renovated Bosmuseum reopened to the public in its current form.

What's inside

The centerpiece of the museum is the permanent exhibition "van ei tot ei" (from egg to egg), which guides visitors through the world of birds in an engaging and accessible way — from nesting and hatching through to adult life in the wild. The display includes an extensive collection of mounted birds and mammals, nests, and eggs, covering roughly 200 bird species. This makes the Bosmuseum a valuable educational stop for children and adults alike who want to learn about the region's wildlife.

Beyond the exhibition

The museum also serves as an information point for anyone planning to explore the Gerhagen reserve further. Staff can provide details on walking paths, horse-riding trails, and cycling routes that wind through the surrounding forests and heathland. Families with children can borrow so-called "silence bags" or "whisper bags" — kits designed to encourage quiet, mindful exploration of nature during a walk.

Guided tours are also available: a group of up to 25 visitors can book a tour for a modest fee of around 20 euros, a popular option among school groups and organized parties visiting the area.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Bosmuseum Gerhagen located? The museum is located at Zavelberg 10 in Tessenderlo, at the foot of the Zandberg hill, within the Gerhagen nature reserve.

Who manages the museum? It is run by Werkgroep Ecologie Tessenderlo (WET), an organization focused on nature conservation and environmental education in the area.

Can visitors see live animals at Bosmuseum? No — the exhibition is based on mounted specimens of birds and mammals, along with nests and eggs, illustrating the biodiversity of Gerhagen's forests and heathland.

Are guided tours available? Yes, guided tours of the museum and surrounding grounds are offered for groups of up to 25 people.

When was the museum last renovated? The most recent major renovation was completed on May 31, 2015, when the renewed Bosmuseum reopened to visitors.